Relationship between depressor septi nasi muscle and dermocartilagenous ligament; anatomic study and clinical application.

The aim of this study is to elucidate the anatomical and functional relationship between dermocartilagenous ligament and depressor septi nasi muscle. The noses of four Korean adult cadavers were studied and total of 123 patients (96 women, 27 men) were operated. The Depressor septi nasi muscle inserted to the base and lateral surface of the medial crus of lower alar cartilage. Dermocartilagenous ligament extended posteriorly and met depressor septi nasi muscle. It was pulled downward by the depressor septi nasi muscle. In all 123 cases the nasal tips were elevated after the dermocartilagenous ligaments were severed. Nasolabial angles increased from 5 - 15 degrees and the noses were shortened. Our morphological study and clinical experience suggest strongly the dermocatilagenous ligament was pulled downward by the depressor septi nasal muscle. We believe the dermocatilagenous ligament acts as a depressor.